compiled by Jaime Silveira
Through Dec. 12 — Holiday Contest
Festival Bay Mall at International Drive, 5250 International Drive, Orlando, sponsors its third annual Gingerbread House Contest, benefiting Orange County Public Schools’ Partners In Education Program. Shoppers vote for their favorite houses, with each vote costing $1. All proceeds go to the individual school’s PIE program. In addition, Santa Claus is available for photos through Dec. 24. For more information, call 407-351-7718 or visit www.shopfestivalbaymall.com on the Web.
Through Dec. 24 — Holiday Activities
Festival Bay Mall at International Drive, 5250 International Drive, Orlando, presents a calendar full of exclusive shopping events, retailer sales and a special co-partnership with Martha Stewart Living magazine, including the launch of Merry Giving, an online holiday headquarters that highlights special mall events and promotions. For more information, visit www.merrygiving.com on the Web.
Through Jan. 3 — Holiday Home Tour
Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, invites the public to the 15th annual Christmas at Pinewood holiday home tour, during which the 20-room, 1930s Pinewood Estate mansion is transformed into a holiday showcase with the theme “Joy to the World.” Time: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday from 1-5 p.m., Christmas Eve from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Christmas Day from 1-5 p.m. Cost: $8, adults ($7, members); $6, children age 5-12; free for children younger than 5. Cost does not include admission to the gardens. For more information, call 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org on the Web.
Through Jan. 3 — Decorated Trollies
The I-Ride Trolley, a convenient and affordable transportation to hundreds of destinations within the International Drive Resort Area, is decked out with lights, wreaths, garland and more during the holiday season. Time: daily from 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m., with special hours Christmas Eve from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Christmas from 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m., and New Year’s Eve from 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Cost: $1.25 per person, per ride, with accompanying children 12-younger riding free. For more information, visit www.iridetrolley.com on the Web.
Dec. 4 — Christmas Concert
The Music Department at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando, presents Christmas with the Basilica Choir. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10; children 12-younger are free. For more information, call 407-239-6600, ext. 317; e-mail music@maryqueenoftheuniverse.org; or visit www.maryqueenoftheuniverse.org on the Web.
Dec. 4 — Community Lighting Ceremony
The West Orange Ministerial Association and city of Winter Garden co-present Light Up Winter Garden on West Plant Street, a free event that includes live entertainment, vendors, shopping, children’s activities and a street-lighting ceremony. Time: 6-9 p.m. For more information, call 407-656-4111 or visit www.cwgdn.com on the Web.
Dec. 5-Jan. 1 — Holiday Concert Series
Universal Orlando Resort presents a brand-new holiday concert series, featuring Mannheim Steamroller on Dec. 5, Chris Isaak on Dec. 12, and Natalie Cole on Dec. 19. The concerts take place after the Macy’s Holiday Parade in the new Music Plaza at Universal Studios. Cost: $79.99 for a two-park Holiday Pass. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/holidays on the Web.
Dec. 6 — Holiday Photo Event
Pawsh Pet Resort & Spa, 300 Countyline Court, Suite C, Oakland, invites pets, children and adults to have their pictures taken with Santa Claus during the Santa’s Coming photo event. Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. by appointment; 1-3 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices vary. For more information, call 407-654-7297 or visit www.pawshpet.net on the Web.
Dec. 12 — Holiday Bicycle Ride
New Hope for Kids presents A Bicycle Ride through Christmas Fantasy Land, beginning at State Road 436 and Winter Park Drive in Casselberry. The family event includes a nighttime bike ride through neighborhoods that are decorated for the holidays. Time: 6 p.m. Cost: $10; free for children 6-younger. For more information, e-mail cory@newhopeforkids.org or visit www.newhopeforkids.org on the Web.
Dec. 12 — Snow Event
Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves, 3251 Daniels Road, Winter Garden, hosts the second annual It’s Snow Much Fun Day, including 20 tons of snow for children to slide down, as well as picture-taking with Curious George and Santa Claus. Time: noon-8 p.m., with Santa arriving at 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 407-656-1658 or visit www.wintergardenvillage.com on the Web.
Dec. 12 — Holiday Performance
Columbus Center Dance Academy, Preschool and Child Care Center presents its annual Christmas Show, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, salsa and break-dance performances, at Olympia High School, 4301 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Time: 11 a.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 407-422-1800.
Dec. 12 — Christmas Party
V.I.Pet Resort, 6600 Kingspointe Parkway, Orlando, hosts a Christmas party, including Christmas cookies for pets and their owners, raffles, giveaways, free photos with Santa, and more. Time: noon-3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 407-355-3594 or visit www.vipet.net on the Web.
Dec. 12, 13 & 18 — Christmas Performances
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church at Windermere, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, presents the following Christmas performances: More Than a Christmas Carol, including the combined choirs of St. Luke’s, Grace and Solid Rock United Methodist churches with an orchestra, Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Christmas Café, including the Contemporary Praise Bands, on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium. Admission is free. For more information, call 407-876-4991 or visit www.st.lukes.org on the Web.
Dec. 13 — Divine Love Holiday Event
The Alliance of Divine Love Church Ministry in Southwest Orlando invites the public to an evening of healing, renewal, joy and reflection at the Center for Healing, 9561 Gotha Road, Gotha. The event includes music, fellowship and a musical performance by Dwain Briggs. Time: 6 p.m. Cost: A suggested donation of $15 is encouraged but not required. For more information, call 407-370-6998 or e-mail stephjosephs@@aol.com.
Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve Worship Services
First Baptist Church Windermere, 300 Main St., Windermere, holds Christmas Eve services. Time: 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 407-876-2234 or visit www.fbcwindermere.com on the Web.
Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve Worship Service
New Horizons Christian Church holds an O, Holy Night Family Worship and Communion at Westbrooke Elementary School, 500 E. Tomyn Blvd., Ocoee. Time: 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 407-654-5050 or visit www.newhorizonschristianchurch.org on the Web.
Dec. 25 & 31 — Holiday Festivities
Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention Center, 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando, hosts a Christmas Day Buffet. Time: 3-9 p.m. Cost: $37, adults; $15, children age 3-9. In addition, Caribe Royale’s The Venetian Room hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration, including a four-course dinner, glass of champagne and live jazz music. Cost: $99 per person. For more information, call 407-238-8060 or 800-823-8300, or visit www.thevenetianroom.com or www.cariberoyale.com on the Web.
Contributions to Community Bulletin Board are welcome. Please send information six weeks before the event to Community Bulletin Board, Southwest Orlando Bulletin, 7901 Kingspointe Parkway, Suite 28, Orlando, FL 32819-8386; call (407) 351-1573, Ext. 17; send a fax to (407) 363-3954; or send an e-mail to Jaime@kearneypublishing.com.
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